Deadline for the March/April Newsletter is Friday, February 17th
Bergholz Community Foundation
By: Nikki Klein
We are excited to announce that Insight Clinical Counseling will be coming to the Medical Building in Bergholz beginning Jan 16, 2023. They will be sharing the office with Total Medical Care.
Insight was founded by Jessica Oates, LPCC-S, PMH-C in 2020. They offer a full spectrum of mental health and wellness. Their current locations are in Canfield, Salem, and East Liverpool. They also offer Telehealth appointments as well. They offer care for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Their philosophy is, “Insight was founded on the belief of meeting patients where they are at on their mental health and wellness journey, wherever that may be. We are committed to being a helping and healing hand along your journey to a healthier life.”
Insight is dedicated to changing the way you experience mental health and wellness. They have a team of experienced clinicians that work with individuals of all ages to put them on a path to recovery. At this time there will be 2 clinicians coming to the Bergholz office. Kali Kertstetter, MSW, LSW will be seeing clients on Mondays and Stephanie Mihlbauer, LPCC, HCH, NCC will be seeing clients on Tuesday evenings.
Please check our website and Facebook page for information regarding scheduling. If you would like more information regarding Insight Clinical Counseling, you can check out their website at insightclinicalcounseling.com.
Here is some information on the founder of Insight Clinical Counseling and the two clinicians that will be coming to Bergholz. They will be here beginning Jan 16, 2023.
Jessica Oates,
LPCC-S, PMH-C
Counselor & Founder
Telehealth
There is no better time than today to begin working on creating your path to wellness. At Insight Clinical Counseling and Wellness, our team will meet you where you’re at, wherever that may be. And with a keen focus on setting goals for treatment, it is my hope that my team and I can be a healing presence on your path to recovery, wellness and self-actualization.
Kali Kerstetter,
MSW, LSW
Kali believes counseling is meant to be a unique partnership between herself and clients where her clients explore, discover and potentially, rediscover parts of themselves they didn’t know were there and heal the parts they shy away from. She believes each of her clients are unique and deserve an individualized approach and hopes to empower each of her clients to prioritize themselves because healing is not a luxury but a priority.
Her areas of practice include adolescents, young adults, women and LGBTQ+.
Kali received her Bachelors in Public Health and Gender Studies from Slippery Rock University and Masters in Social Work with Certificate in School Social Work from Ohio State University.
When asked what she’s awesome at, Kali replied, “Relating to my clients and creating a safe comfortable space for my clients.”
“I enjoy teaching and learning new things. I am always trying to learn something new. I teach college level indoor winter guard in my free time. Outside of that, I also enjoy spending time with my partner and going on motorcycle rides when the weather allows!”
Stephanie Mihlbauer,
LPCC, HCH, NCC
Stephanie believes that successful counseling is about forming a dynamic relationship. No matter the modality or treatment a clinician may use, the therapeutic relationship becomes a unique space in which you can talk about and gain deeper knowledge and insight about issues affecting you. She believes the ideal counseling relationship provides a trusting, safe and understanding space in which you will feel respected without judgement.
She specializes in Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma/Stress Related Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Grief and Loss, Parenting and Divorce.
Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Bachelor’s Degree in Mental Health and Human Services from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is a member of the Heart-Centered Therapies Association.
When asked what she’s awesome at, Stephanie replied, “I love trusting the process with each client and seeing the growth that unfolds. I also seek to speak truthful encourage-ment so that you leave feeling better than you came.”
“I have 4 amazing little children that keep me on my toes! I love creative movement, the beauty of nature and mindful meditation.”
From the Mayor
By: Gary Griffith
740.768.2632
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
A big thank you to everyone for passing the 5mil tax levy to help with the continuing operation of the village! A big thank you to Chad Hazelip for keeping the leaves and trash cleaned out of the drains in the village. If you see him around town, give him a thank you.
The Village Light-up Night was a success, and we had a great turnout for a rainy night. Thank you to everyone that came out to see the lights come on and visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Thank You to Don Lyons and Kurt Groman for putting up the lights. Thank You to Chelsea and Mike Householder for providing their DJ services. Thank You to the BVFD with Dwayne Morley and the rest of the firemen for blocking the streets, to Bergholz Police Chief Mark Clark for providing security, to TJ Balint for helping, and to Jessica Champion, Mindy Carpenter, and Tara
Givens for organizing the cookies and hot chocolate. Last but not least, Tim and Shane McCoy and the Bergholz Diner for the use of their business to get things ready!
Columbia Gas has finished up with the repairs on the streets from the gas line replacement project. J Green Excavating has been working on two of the three projects they are doing for the village with the money we received from the Covid relief money. They have one more to finish once the weather cooperates.
What a difference on Second Street with the removal of the two houses. Thank You to the EMS and McBane Insurance for the demolition projects.
With that I want to thank all Village Residents, both past and present, for all you do to make Bergholz the envy of the Valley.
Mayor Gary Griffith
Bergholz Homecoming
June 15-17
We have a big announcement to make! The Foundation is celebrating 30 years of investing in our community. To celebrate this occasion, we will be hosting a Homecoming. This event will be similar to the Homecomings/Fairs we used to have in our village years ago. This will be a free community event. It will take place June 15-17, 2023, at the Bergholz Fire Department. If you grew up here, I am sure you have some very special memories from going to the Fair. I know everyone I talk to has at least one story to tell of their adventures at the past Fairs here in Bergholz.
There will be carnival rides, food, music, and lots of fun for all ages. This event is intended to bring the entire community together. Spread the word! We are also hoping that this will bring past residents back for a visit. We wish that your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can share in the joy that the Homecomings used to bring to you. Please plan to come out and enjoy the festivities and at the same time learn about the Foundation’s good works.
We want to encourage others to be a part of the Foundation, as being involved in the Foundation makes you a component of all these wonderful things that we try to accomplish in Bergholz and our surrounding community. “Invest in your community. Invest in the Bergholz Community Foundation”
WEBA Food Pantry
By: Ann Wiley
740.543.3972
The WEBA Outreach Food Pantry continues to be blessed with faithful and generous donors. There are not enough thank yous to express our gratitude to these wonderful people.
In November, the pantry was the benefactor of $112.00 from the Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association. This donation was used to purchase 43 cans of sweet potatoes for the Thanksgiving pass-out. We served 170+ families for Thanksgiving. We expected as many for the Christmas pass-out.
Produce and Pantry dates for January & February: Produce – Friday, January 20th; Pantry – Saturday, January 27th. Produce – Friday, February 17th; Pantry – Saturday, February 25th.
During the winter months especially, some of our clients need help with paying utilities. WEBA sponsors an “Emergency Fund” to assist those who need help with paying utilities. Persons can apply once per calendar year. You must have received a shut-off notice. Only residents with an Amsterdam address are eligible for assistance. ID and a copy of your bill must be presented for assistance. Contact Irene Saho at 740-543-3695 for assistance information.
Last, but not least, thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who give of their time and energy for help setting up and during pass-out days of the pantry. Your help and dedication have a value that cannot be measured.
Northeast Jefferson County Food Pantry
The Northeast Jefferson County Food Pantry’s mission is to always serve God and to eliminate hunger in our community. The Pantry’s regular scheduled date is the 3rd Thursday of the month. The time is 8am-Noon. January 19th and February 16th are the next scheduled dates. If, for any reason the date would have to change, always check for a sign in the Post Office.
We also provide a Work Food Assistance Program. This program has been set up to help working people whose income exceeds federal and state guidelines for assistance through the
Food Pantry. The distribution of these food boxes will occur on the first Saturday of every month between 11am-1pm. The next distribution dates are January 7th and February 4th. A current paystub will be needed for visual verification of work status. The distribution will occur at the rear of the Presbyterian Church, Second Street in Bergholz.
If you need to contact us, call President: Ronnie Shockley, 330-627-4080. Director: Kathy Warner, 740-543-3590 or Email [email protected]
You can make donations to: The Northeast Jefferson County Food Pantry,
PO Box 613 Bergholz, Ohio 43908.
Please make checks payable to: The Northeast Jefferson County Food Pantry. The donations are tax deductible. The pantry is a part of a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(C) (3) organization.
East Springfield Community Recreation & Service Center
By: Sue Call
740.543.3700
Happy New Year!
Thank you to everyone who supported us with our monthly dinners. We will take a break from these dinners until Spring. Please watch social media for announcements about occasional meals, bake sales, or other activities.
Check social media or flyers posted in the community for details of all Center activities. The Center is available to rent. Please contact me for prices and availability.
We hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and a joyous Christmas!
January
By: John Updike
The days are short,
The sun a spark
Hung thin between
The dark and the dark.
Fat snowy footsteps
Track the floor.
Milk bottles burst
Outside the door.
The river is
A frozen place
Held still beneath
The trees of lace.
The sky is low.
The wind is gray.
The radiator
Purrs all day.
I.G.N.I.T.E Youth Group
By: Amy Richards
740.768.2209
Greetings from the IGNITE Youth Group! I.G.N.I.T.E. is an acronym for “In God’s Name I Triumph Everyday” and it is taken from the scripture, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” IGNITE is a faith-based youth group for anyone in grades 7-12. We meet every other Sunday night from 6:00-7:30pm at the Presbyterian Church in Bergholz.
In January, we will be starting a new series called “To Save a Life”. We are very excited about this and can’t wait to see how God works in our group as we learn how to be the hands & feet of Christ!
If you are a member, you know you don’t want to miss all the fun 2023 has in store. Come and bring a friend. If you have never been to IGNITE, come see what we are all about, we guarantee you will have so much fun & you won’t be disappointed! Come and bring a friend.
IGNITE meetings for 2023 are as follows:
Jan. 8th & Jan. 22nd
Feb. 5th & Feb. 19th
Mar. 5th & Mar. 19th
Apr. 2nd.
Amsterdam Community Church of God
8247 Bear Road SE
By: Tony Kovalesky 740.543.4041
Church:740. 543.3927
Parsonage:740. 543.3036
[email protected]
Our 2023 Theme is “Bring Life (Jesus) to the “garden” God has placed you with your gifts, resources, and talents.” Our theme verses from Genesis 2:15 “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” and Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” We will continue our journey through the book of Luke as we continue to walk our talk through understanding the life and ministry of Jesus. If you do not have a church home, join with us as we bring life (Jesus) to the communities we are serving in.
The first Sunday of Lent is February 26, and we will begin a six-week sermon and small group series called Pressure Points. Pressure is nothing new. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote to Jewish Christians in the first century who faced intense pressure. They had been dispersed because of persecution, and they faced increasing pressure to let faith live only in their heads instead of being evidenced in their lives. James beckoned these first believers to let pressure push them deeper in their journey with Jesus.
Celebrate Recovery will celebrate their three-year anniversary on Wednes-day, January 4 at 6:30 pm. Under the leadership of John Finnegin and Donna Whitmore, this weekly meeting is held on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Classes are available for children and youth called Celebration Place (4-11) and The Landing (12-18). We can also accommodate children under 4. A meal is also served every week.
Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered program with large and small groups for anyone struggling with any hurts, hang-ups, and habits and also offer the 12-step program. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.
The Youth will be going to Winter Retreat at Camp Fitch, January 20-22. Youth is open to those in 6th through 12th grades and meets on Mondays at 6:30 for a meal, games, and a lesson. For more information call the church at 740.543.3927.
Pastor David will be going on a mission adventure in Barbados January 6 – 18 as the team continues in the construction of Silver Sands Church of God.
Please pray for him during this trip.
Sunday, February 12, we will have our Annual “Souper Bowl Luncheon” from 12:15 – 1:30 and will offer over 10 different soup choices to enjoy. We serve the soup in small bowls so you can enjoy several kinds. Donations will be received for the WEBA Food Pantry, and everyone is welcomed to attend and enjoy a variety of soups. Our February Missions focus will be raising funds for the WEBA and Northeast Jefferson County Food Pantries.
We continue to offer a women’s Bible study and a men’s Bible study on Thursday nights (7:00) and a combined Bible study on Wednesday evenings (7:00).
Our Sunday morning worship service starts at 10:30 each week with Kids Church. Sometime after the first of the year we plan to provide transportation for children and others for the Sunday morning service. Call the church if this would be helpful for your children or other adults you know. Everyone is welcome as we are Becoming a Christ-Centered Church by Growing Christ-Centered Followers bringing Jesus to the communities where we live.
Bergholz/Chestnut Ridge United Methodist Churches
By: Pastor Lee Iden
330.894.2389/330.614.4395
“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign; see a virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son and she shall call His name Emmanuel.” We celebrate that amazing event as I write this, in just a few days! WOW! We have been looking at the season of Advent, which means “coming” with a look at the four candles we light in preparation for that blessed day. First, the candle of hope, then love, then joy, this coming week peace. All of those attributes given by God just for us, just because He loves us THAT much! We can have hope in God, when there is no hope anywhere else, there is hope in Him. If we love, then we know God, for God IS love! Joy is also from God. We can look at some of the things in our lives that we derive joy from and they are FROM God. (I find joy in my cats…go figure) and finally peace. I think that when we have a good relationship with God then peace is more easily attained and maintained.
We welcomed friends to the Bergholz church this past Sunday afternoon for a concert of Christmas music that I REALLY enjoyed! We were gifted with several musicians who shared their God given talents with us and they were AMAZING! Billy Bertini, Jim Carlton, Darlene Iden and Joe DiMario all had a hand in bringing us some of the beautiful sounds of the season and I drug out a drum set and had fun with “Little Drummer Boy” … went ok.
We will worship Christmas Eve at a 7:00pm service and then come back on Sunday morning, Christmas day and celebrate Christmas! CAN’T WAIT. By the time you read this it will be over for another year.
The new year will bring some changes for us. Both Bergholz and Chestnut Ridge UMCs are going to be exiting the Methodist church in the upcoming year. After much prayer and discernment, we have decided to venture out on our own. Please keep us in your prayers as we leave the Mother Church.
If you don’t have a home church, we invite you to join us. Check out the sign on the front of the Bergholz church to find out where we will be. Every month, we alternate church buildings. December, at Bergholz, January at Chestnut Ridge, February at Bergholz and so forth. This alternation allows us to worship together, two churches as one and gives us an opportunity to get to know each other better and form bonds that would not otherwise be possible. It’s been fun and I’ve enjoyed it!
Peace in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Most-High God!
Have a blessed New Year!
Shalom,
Pastor Lee
Something to Think About
By: Dave Miller
I am writing my column a week before Christmas. Recent days have seen several activities involving special meals, visits from Santa and his elves, and many homes decorated for the season. I still enjoy driving through the area and seeing the various light displays and decorations on the house and in the yards.
Though this newsletter will appear after Christmas, I wanted to share some thoughts from the meditation I shared with Mt. Zion Congregation Christmas Day. Those thoughts were based on the most loved Christmas carol, “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Joseph Mohr wrote the words at one sitting and his church organist, Franz Gruber, composed the tune.
“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.”
Some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah the prophet had foretold that “a virgin will have a child and his name will be Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14). In Matthew 1:23 when the angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph, he was told that the virgin Mary will give birth to a Son, and His name will be Immanuel. Gabriel goes on to state Immanuel means “God with us.”
I want to share some additional thoughts that tell us the Baby of Bethlehem was the Divine, Eternal Son of God. When Jesus began His earthly ministry and was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, the voice of God is heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
In Colossians 1:16 we read, “For by him all things were created in heaven and on earth… all things were created by Him and for Him.” In John 8:58 Jesus says, “Truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” In Revelation 1:17-18, He says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega. I was dead and behold I am alive forevermore.” Just a few verses to share that the Baby of Bethlehem was the Lord Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the living God.
As we conclude, the last verse of “Silent Night, Holy Night” ends with the word, “Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.”
Faith Community Church
By: Chad Thompson
740.768.2835
740.512.3238
Happy New Year to all of you! The time certainly does fly by, doesn’t it? I hope and pray you had a blessed Christmas, and you are excited about making 2023 the best year ever.
We would like to thank each person who donated to Emmy’s sock tree as well as our warming tree for gloves and hats. You helped us finish out 2022 with a spirit of giving and made many people’s winter a little warmer.
The start of a new year encourages us to look back on the past year, to reflect upon where we have been, to take an honest look at where we are now, decide where we would like to go, and how we can grow. I may/may not have the blessing of knowing you personally, but I am confident in saying; You have overcome many obstacles, you currently face many challenges, and each day ahead you have opportunities to improve.
Jeremiah 29:11…” For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…”.
My hope and prayer for each of us is to seek God with all our hearts, to take one step closer to Jesus, for us to trust Him and courageously follow God’s plan for our lives. I am personally inviting you, yes YOU to begin 2023 with us at Bergholz Faith Community Church. We are beginning the year with a Faith & Family sermon series.
We would love to see your teens and children at our children ministry groups. Our Blaze Youth Group which is ages 13-18 meet every Tuesday. They start the evening at 5:00pm helping tutor anyone who may need assistance, then from 5:30 -7:00 they have youth group where they study, fellowship, and play games. Faith on Fire youth worship practice is Tuesdays 7-8:30. The 3rd Tuesday of each month is our Flickers of Faith Group for ages 4-12. This is hosted by youth and is a time of learning and fun for all the elementary and junior high students.
We would also love to see you also at Faith Community Ladies Group the 3rd Monday of each month at 6pm. During the week we also have been serving as a meeting spot for AA every Thursday at 6:30pm, and this group is open to anyone that could benefit from it.
We always have something going on here.
Come to church with us on Sunday at 10:45 am.
As always follow us on Facebook to keep up on events and announcements https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipwithfaith/
Praying for you,
Pastor Chad Thompson
East Springfield Christ UMC
By: Nicki Tennant
740.543.3002
November and December were very busy months in the life of Christ UMC. A time of Thanksgiving and Advent were celebrated throughout both months.
Our Mission & Outreach Team has been in high gear. Our first collection of hats, gloves, and mittens from our Mitten Tree was given to the Friendship Room. The second collection was taken to the Urban Mission. We will continue to collect these items throughout the winter season. We continue collecting non-food items to donate to the WEBA Food Pantry. In the fall we focused on receiving donations for the Paws Pantry at each Edison school.
Christmas cookie trays were assembled and delivered to businesses in East Springfield to say thank you for being a part of our community. More than twenty businesses received trays. Who would have thought that our little neighborhood had so many businesses?
The new year looks just as busy for us. Our weekly Bible Study is based on the book of Ephesians. Please join us on Tuesday at 6:30pm.
And just like that, it is the season of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 22nd.
If you are looking for a home church, or just want to stop in for a visit, we have Sunday School at 9:45am and Morning Worship at 11am. Bible Study is each Tuesday at 6:30pm – 7:30pm, followed by a brief prayer service. Come and join us.
January Holidays
1st – New Year’s Day
6th – Epiphany
7th – Orthodox Christmas . Day
16th – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February Holidays
1st – Ohio Township Day (Ohio)
2nd – Ground Hog’s Day
14th – Valentine’s Day
20th – President’s Day
21st- Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras
22nd- Ash Wednesday
Deadline for the March/April Newsletter is Friday, February 17th.
Epiphany
Epiphany, also known as “Three Kings Day” and “Twelfth Day,” is a Christian holiday commemorated on January 6th. It falls on the twelfth day after Christmas, and for some denominations signals the conclusion of the Christmas season. The 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany are known as the “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Though many different cultural and denominational customs are practiced, as a rule, the feast celebrates the manifestation of God to the world in the form of human flesh through Jesus Christ, his Son.
Epiphany was introduced into Western Christianity in the 4th century. The term epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “appearance,” “manifestation,” or “revelation” and is commonly linked in Western churches with the visit of the wise men (Magi) to the Christ child (Matthew 2:1-12). Through the Magi, Jesus Christ revealed himself to the Gentiles:
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
… And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Epiphany is a feast that recognizes the manifestation of God in Jesus, and of the risen Christ in our world. It is a time for believers to consider how Jesus fulfilled his destiny and how Christians can fulfill their destiny too.
Groundhog’s Day
Groundhog’s Day is celebrated in the United States on February 2nd. Originated in Punxsutawney, PA, this holiday is based on whether or not a groundhog comes out of his burrow. If Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If it is cloudy and the groundhog cannot see his shadow, it is a sign of an early spring.
I’m a Little Groundhog
I’m a little Groundhog
In my hole.
On February 2nd
You will know.
If I see my shadow
It will be
Six more weeks
of winter
For you and me!
Love, Love, Love
(Three Blind Mice)
Love, love, love,
Love, love, love.
See how it grows,
See how it grows.
I love my friends
And they love me.
We love each other
That’s plain to see.
There’s plenty for a big family,
Love, love, love,
Love, love, love.
